Hamilton volunteers to close?

[Ga_Red]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/con...redsnotes.html

Josh Hamilton said, only half-kidding, "I'll come in close some games for them."

[Chip R]

He probably throws harder than most of the alta cockers in the bullpen.

[CTA513]

Originally Posted by Chip R

He probably throws harder than most of the alta cockers in the bullpen.

According to the link below he can get it up to 96 mph.

Josh Hamilton, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound chiseled prospect with a 96 mph fastball and a swing that made scouts and coaches drool, was the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft and the first position player since Alex Rodriguez to be so honored. (Jonathan Newton - The Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...021201312.html

[BCubb2003]

Did anyone else think it was Joey Hamilton?

[KronoRed]

Originally Posted by BCubb2003

Did anyone else think it was Joey Hamilton?

Yep.

Ahh the glory years.

[redsmetz]

Lonnie Wheeler, in his blog, said the Reds have three players in their camp with the stuff to be a closer. He added, unfortunately they're Kyle Lohse, Homer Bailey and Josh Hamilton.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Strange and rarely seen in the modern era, however... WHY NOT?!? If the guy has the stuff to get ML hitters out, then WHY NOT?!? Of course we have only heard about the velocity, but can he be taught to throw an off-speed pitch too (Mario Soto is around, right?)? Can he be taught how to pitch in the bigs? He seems to possess good OF defensive skills. He seems to have a decent bat. Both need to be practiced to maintain high levels. But isn't there also time to teach the guy how to pitch? The last thing Josh needs is too much free time. As long as the extra work does not cause an injury.

Can you see this... a guy used as a pinch-hitter for the pitcher and then enters the game the next half-inning as the pitcher. How often does that happen? I remember Brooks Kieschnick (former REDS player) doing some of this dual-role thing in Milwaukee not long ago. Why not your #25 guy on the roster? I am for giving it a shot.

[Jaycint]

Yeah he throws 96 but does he know where it's gonna go anymore? I wouldn't wanna be in the batter's box to find out.

[klw]

Looks like somebody in Reds camp has been reading Redszone.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showt...sh+hamilton+96



self congratulatory pat on back

[princeton]

anyone that can't hit the ball ought to think about throwing it

[texasdave]

so we would have janisch pitching the 7th, aasadorian the 8th and hamilton closing.........................................

[RedlegNation]

Originally Posted by BCubb2003

Did anyone else think it was Joey Hamilton?

I just threw up a little in my mouth.

[PuffyPig]

Originally Posted by redsmetz

Lonnie Wheeler, in his blog, said the Reds have three players in their camp with the stuff to be a closer. He added, unfortunately they're Kyle Lohse, Homer Bailey and Josh Hamilton.

I'd be more worried if some of the best closers didn't have the "stuff to be closers".

[RedlegNation]

I've long thought that Hamilton would have a better chance making it to the majors as a pitcher, after all that time away from the game. He has missed a lot of development time, despite his incredible tools.

Seems like a return to pitching might be a quicker way to becoming a credible player.

[RedlegNation]

Originally Posted by redsmetz

Lonnie Wheeler, in his blog, said the Reds have three players in their camp with the stuff to be a closer. He added, unfortunately they're Kyle Lohse, Homer Bailey and Josh Hamilton.

Why not Lohse? Because he's a head case?